He was born Oct. 31, 1926, in Ozark to the late James Matthew and Rose Bell Malone Hopper. Mr. Hopper graduated from Arkansas Tech University, earned his master’s degree at University of Texas in Austin, Texas, and did post-graduate studies at Vanderbilt University.

In 1956 he moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, as a health physicist for the Atomic Energy Commission. He had a 33-year career as an educator, teaching math with a 31-year tenure at Arkansas Tech University and retired after three years at Trinity Valley Community College.

He was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran. John’s hobby was building and flying model airplanes and was a life member of River Valley R-C Club. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Sammye Hopper; brother, Joe Hopper; and sisters, Imogene Hopkins and Velda Fern Tillery. Survivors include his wife, Verna Hopper; daughter, Sally Sacrey and fiancé Lee Puckett of Russellville; stepdaughters, Julia Pounders and husband David of Ola, Sandra Moutton and Theresa Boles and husband John; grandchildren, Michael Sacrey, Olivia Pounders and John David Pounders; and several nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be conducted from 1-2 p.m. today. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Church of Christ, 1408 Cream Level Road, Athens, TX 75751.

You may light a memory candle or leave a message of condolence for the family at www.carrolllehr.com.